Multiple height mounting assembly for a drinking fountain

ABSTRACT

A multiple height mounting assembly is provided for installation of a drinking fountain at a selected one of multiple different mounting positions spaced vertically above a floor or ground surface associated therewith. The mounting assembly includes a mounting plate adapted for secure affixation to a wall structure at a selected vertical elevation position thereon. The mounting plate defines a central aperture for passage of plumbing lines. A set of bolt-receiving mounting holes is formed in the mounting plate in surrounding relation to the central aperture for accommodating subsequent drinking fountain installation onto the mounting plate at a selected one of multiple different vertical elevation positions. In one preferred form, the mounting plate includes multiple apertures each with associated bolt-receiving mounting holes to accommodate installation of multiple drinking fountains thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to drinking fountains and related systems for installing a drinking fountain onto a vertically extending wall structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved mounting assembly for installing one or more drinking fountains onto the wall structure at a selected one of multiple different vertical elevation positions.

Wall-mounted drinking fountains are generally known in the art, wherein a fountain housing is mounted onto a wall structure at a selected vertical position, with the fountain housing supported in an overhanging or cantilevered configuration spaced above the associated floor or ground surface for compliance with federal, state, and local (i.e., building code) regulatory guidelines. Such guidelines are primarily related to facilitating fountain access and use by disabled persons, particularly such as persons confined to a wheelchair. In this regard, these regulatory guidelines require mounting of the fountain housing at different specific vertical heights, depending upon the specific locale and usage environment. By way of example, in a school environment, multiple different fountain mounting heights may be required according to student age, i.e., different mounting heights can be required for kindergarten students versus middle school or high school students. In some fountain installations, a pair of drinking fountains can be mounted in side-by-side or tandem relation, and at different mounting heights to comply with regulatory guidelines.

Conventional fountain mounting techniques have utilized a mounting plate adapted for secure affixation onto the wall structure. In this regard, in conventional drywall covered stud wall structures, the mounting plate typically comprises a sturdy component secured onto wall studs prior to drywall installation, followed by installation of a more lightweight and decorative trim plate mounted onto the drywall. The mounting plate and trim plate normally include central apertures to accommodate passage of plumbing lines, including, for example, a water supply line and a drain line for connection to the wall-mounted drinking fountain. These central apertures are surrounded by or otherwise associated with a set of fastener holes formed in an array or pattern to receive and support a corresponding set of fasteners such as bolts for installing the drinking fountain onto the mounting plate.

While this above-described fountain mounting arrangement provides a secure and stable drinking fountain installation onto a standard stud wall structure, the mounting plate and trim plate have been designed to accommodate fountain installation at a single vertical position on the wall structure relative to the floor surface or ground. Accordingly, to accommodate different fountain elevational positions, in compliance with complex and oft-changing regulatory guidelines, the mounting plate and trim plate must be positioned on the wall at the correct height for subsequent fountain installation. In new construction, this requires considerable advance attention to detail, since there can be a significant time delay between mounting plate installation, and subsequent fountain installation. Indeed, in many construction projects, the mounting plate installation often occurs long before the actual drinking fountain is even ordered from a supplier. Incorrect mounting plate installation requires subsequent, sometimes difficult and costly revision in order to achieve the correct fountain mounting height. Similarly, in many remodel construction projects wherein facility updating for regulatory compliance is typically required, revision of the mounting plate installation position for compliance with drinking fountain height regulations can be a difficult and costly task.

There exists, therefore, a significant need for improvements in and to drinking fountain mounting assemblies, particularly with respect to facilitating fountain installation at an adjustable vertical elevation to accommodate persons of different ages, in compliance with regulatory guidelines. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a multiple height mounting assembly is provided for installation of a drinking fountain at a selected one of multiple different mounting positions spaced vertically above a floor or ground surface associated therewith. The mounting assembly includes a mounting plate adapted for secure affixation to a wall structure at a selected vertical elevation position thereon. The mounting plate defines a central aperture for passage of plumbing lines. A set of fastener-receiving mounting holes is formed in the mounting plate in surrounding relation to the central aperture for accommodating subsequent drinking fountain installation onto the mounting plate at a selected one of multiple different vertical elevation positions, using selected ones of the mounting holes.

In one preferred form, the mounting plate includes multiple apertures such as a pair of apertures for installation of a pair of drinking fountains in side-by-side or tandem relation. Each of these apertures is associated with a set of fastener-receiving mounting holes, wherein at least one and preferably both of these mounting hole sets accommodate installation of the respective drinking fountains at a selected one of multiple different elevation positions. The mounting plate apertures may be formed in side-by-side relation at the same elevational position, or at different elevational positions, when the mounting plate is installed to a wall structure.

The mounting plate may be associated with a more lightweight and decorative trim plate having a similar geometry, in the case of a conventional drywall covered stud wall structure. In such configuration, the mounting plate is installed onto wall studs before drywall installation, and the trim plate is installed onto the wall structure following drywall installation. The drinking fountain (or fountains) is then mounted at the selected vertical elevation position by means of fasteners such as bolts passed through selected ones of the mounting holes of each aperture-associated set in the trim plate and mounting plate.

In one alternative form, the wall structure may comprise a housing wall, e.g., a wall structure of a free standing drinking fountain or the like. In such embodiment, the mounting plate is installed upon or otherwise integrated with the housing wall of the free standing fountain, to accommodate subsequent installation of a cantilevered fountain at a selected vertical elevation position.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing which illustrate, by way of example, the principals of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmented perspective view showing a pair of wall-mounted drinking fountains installed by use of the improved mounting assembly embodying the novel features of the present invention, and wherein the drinking fountains are installed at different vertical heights on the associated wall structure;

FIG. 2 is a fragmented and exploded perspective view of the drinking fountain installation of FIG. 1, illustrating the drinking fountains, a trim plate, drywall, a mounting plate, and wall studs;

FIG. 3 is a fragmented front elevational view of the fountains of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmented vertical sectional view taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the mounting plate and trim plate of FIG. 2, and illustrating multiple sets of fastener-receiving holes for installing the drinking fountains of FIG. 1 onto the mounting plate at respectively and uniquely selected vertical positions;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view similar to FIG. 5, but illustrating use of the fastener-receiving holes for installing the drinking fountains at different vertical positions;

FIG. 7 is a fragmented perspective view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the drinking fountains mounted at different selected vertical heights corresponding with the positions shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative preferred form of the invention, wherein a cantilevered drinking fountain is adapted for mounting at a selected vertical height position onto a wall structure defined by a housing wall of a free standing drinking fountain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the exemplary drawings, an improved mounting assembly referred to generally by the reference numeral 10 is provided for installing one or more drinking fountains 12 on a supporting wall structure, with the drinking fountain mounted in an overhanging or cantilevered manner and at an adjustably selected vertical elevation on the wall. The mounting assembly includes a multi-position mounting plate 18 positioned on or otherwise integrated into the wall structure at a typically standardized vertical elevation, wherein this mounting plate 18 includes or defines means for subsequent drinking fountain affixation thereto at a selected one of several different vertical mounting positions. Accordingly, the present invention permits the drinking fountain 12 to be installed at a specific elevation for compliance with federal, state, and local codes and regulatory requirements particularly such with respect to fountain access and use by disabled persons.

FIGS. 1-7 depict one illustrative preferred form of the invention, wherein the mounting plate 18 is designed for mounting a pair of drinking fountains 12 onto a stud frame wall structure, with the two fountains 12 disposed is side-by-side or tandem relation. In this regard, in such tandem-mounted installation, the two fountains 12 may be installed at different vertical positions in a so-called high-low arrangement, with at least one of the fountains 12 disposed for compliance with governmental codes and/or regulations applicable to wheelchair access. In accordance with the invention, the mounting plate 18 accommodates installation of at least one and preferably both of the tandem-positioned drinking fountains 12 at individual and adjustably selected elevational positions on the wall structure, for compliance with such codes and/or regulations.

FIG. 2 shows the mounting plate 18 installed directly onto vertically upright studs 20 forming the framed wall structure, wherein these studs 20 may be wood or metal. The mounting plate 18 is affixed directly onto the studs 20 by conventional fasteners 19 such as nails or screws. The mounting plate 18 comprises a sturdy structural component for supporting and bearing the weight of the subsequently installed fountain or fountains 12, as will be described in more detail. In one preferred form, the mounting plate 18 comprises metal sheet stock having a thickness on the order of about ¼ inch. The mounting plate 18 is fastened onto the wall-forming studs 20 at a selected and typically standard vertical elevation relative to an associated floor surface or ground (not shown).

Following installation of the mounting plate 18, a suitable wall facing material such as drywall 16 is mounted over the mounting plate 18 by means of suitable drywall fastener elements (not shown). Then, in accordance with the illustrative preferred embodiment of the invention, a trim plate 14 having a size and shape similar to the mounting plate 18 is installed onto the drywall 16. In this regard, the trim plate 14 may have a vertical dimension extending above and below the counterpart upper and lower margins of the mounting plate 18 to permit trim plate installation by means of suitable fasteners 21 passed through the trim plate 14 and drywall 16 for affixation into the wall studs 20. The trim plate 14 typically has a more lightweight construction and more decorative appearance, compared to the mounting plate 18.

The mounting plate 18 includes a pair of apertures 24 formed therein at selected vertical elevations corresponding with a range of fountain mounting heights. In this regard, as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 5-6, these two apertures 24 can be formed at the same vertical elevations in the mounting plate 18, when said mounting plate is installed onto the wall structure. Alternately, if desired, the two apertures may be formed at somewhat different vertical positions, such as different but overlapping vertical positions, to define respectively different albeit overlapping ranges for fountain mounting heights. The apertures 24 accommodate through-passage of plumbing lines (not shown), such as a pressure water supply line and a suitable waste or drain line. The laterally opposed vertical margins 36 of the apertures 24 may incorporate a vertically spaced series of notches or indents for registry with mating structures (not shown) on the fountains in the course of fountain installation at a selected vertical position. These notched side margins 36 of the apertures are further associated with adjacent arrays of vertically spaced mounting holes 28 adapted to receive fasteners such as mounting bolts 32 (FIG. 4) used for fountain installation.

The overlying drywall 16 also includes appropriate openings 17 for plumbing line passage. The trim plate 14 has apertures 22 formed therein with a size, shape and geometry conforming with the mounting plate apertures 24, namely, to include vertically spaced sets of mounting holes 26 extending along the opposite side margins 34 of the apertures 22. Importantly, the trim plate 14 is mounted onto the wall at a vertical position having the apertures 22 and associated mounting holes 26 therein aligned substantially with the corresponding mounting plate apertures 24 and mounting holes 28 formed therein.

Each of the drinking fountains 12 comprises a fountain body extending outwardly in an overhanging or cantilevered relation from a back panel 30, wherein the fountain body incorporates a suitable valve actuator 60 for on-off regulation of water flow to a bubbler head 62, in combination with a basin 64 for catching and directing excess water flow to a suitable drain 66. The fountain body and back panel 30 cooperatively define one or more mounting flanges 68 (FIG. 4) having mounting holes 70 formed therein for receiving fasteners such as the mounting bolts 32 used to install the fountains 12 to the mounting plate 18.

More particularly, each drinking fountain 12 is securely affixed to the mounting plate 18 by means of the bolts 32 passed through the associated fountain mounting flange 68, and further through selected ones of the mounting holes 26 formed in the trim plate 14, and also through associated selected ones of the mounting holes 28 formed in the mounting plate 18. Importantly, the arrays of mounting holes 26, 28 accommodate positioning of each fountain 12 at a specific vertical position chosen for regulatory compliance, wherein these mounting hole arrays 26, 28 are formed to permit variable selection of fountain position within a selected vertical adjustment range, such as an adjustment range of the order of about ½ foot. With this construction, the mounting plate 18 and associated trim plate 14 can be installed into or onto the wall at a standardized height, without concern for fountain elevational position at the time of plate installation. Thereafter, the individual drinking fountains 12 can be mounted at the appropriate specific vertical positions each selected from among the multiple positions provided by the hole arrays 26, 28. In addition, fountain vertical position may be changed at a later time, all without requiring wall demolition or any re-positioning of the mounting plate 18.

FIGS. 3 and 5 show the left-hand fountain 12 (as viewed in FIGS. 1-7) installed at a maximum vertical elevation on the wall, and the right-hand fountain 12 installed at a minimum vertical elevation. By contrast, FIGS. 6-7 shown a reverse installation configuration, wherein the left-hand fountain 12 is installed at a minimum vertical elevation relative to the associated mounting plate aperture 24, and with the right-hand fountain 12 installed at a maximum vertical elevation relative to the associated aperture 24. Persons skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that the vertical dimension of the mounting plate apertures 24 as well as the number of mounting holes 28 may be increased to provide an increased range of vertical adjustment capability.

FIG. 8 illustrates one alternative preferred form of the invention, wherein a mounting plate 48 is carried by or otherwise integrated with and comprises one vertically extending side wall of a structure other than a stud framed wall, such as one side wall of an upstanding or free-standing drinking fountain 40. In this embodiment, the mounting plate 48 again defines an aperture 52 with laterally opposed notched or indented side margins 56, in combination with the vertically spaced arrays of mounting holes 44. A drinking fountain 46 including an associated back panel 50 is adapted for mounting onto the mounting plate 48 in FIG. 8, in the same manner as previously shown and described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-7. Specifically, the fountain 46 can be installed at any one of several different vertical elevations on the fountain 40, in accordance with regulatory requirements. Similarly, the vertical position of the cantilevered fountain 46 can be changed quickly and easily, if and when such positional change becomes necessary or desirable.

Although various embodiments and alternatives have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various further modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, no limitation on the invention is intended by way of the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, except as set forth in the appended claims. 

1. A mounting assembly for mounting at least one drinking fountain at a selected vertical height position on a vertically extending wall structure, said mounting assembly comprising: a vertically extending mounting plate, said mounting plate having an aperture formed therein and defined by opposed and generally vertically extending side margins, each of said side margins being associated with an array of vertically spaced mounting holes formed in said mounting plate; and fastener means receivable through selected ones of said mounting holes for mounting the drinking fountain at a selected one of multiple different height positions relative to said mounting plate.
 2. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said mounting plate comprises the vertically extending wall structure.
 3. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said mounting plate is adapted for affixation onto the wall structure at a selected height position.
 4. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said opposed side margins defining said mounting plate aperture have a notched configuration.
 5. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said fastener means comprises at least one mounting bolt.
 6. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said mounting plate has a pair of said apertures formed therein and each defined by opposed and generally vertically extending side margins, each of said side margins of said apertures being associated with an array of vertically spaced mounting holes formed in said mounting plate, and further wherein said fasteners means is receivable through selected ones of said mounting holes for mounting a pair of drinking fountains each at a selected one of multiple different height positions relative to said mounting plate.
 7. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein said mounting plate is adapted for affixation onto studs defining the vertically extending wall structure, and wherein said mounting plates and studs are subsequently substantially covered by a wall facing material, and further including a trim plate having an aperture formed therein with a size and shape generally corresponding with said mounting plate aperture, said trim plate aperture being defined by opposed and generally vertically extending side margins each associated with an array of vertically spaced mounting holes formed in said trim plate, said trim plate being adapted for affixation onto the wall structure at a selected height position with said trim plate and mounting plate apertures generally aligned with each other and with said mounting holes arrays formed in trim and mounting plates generally aligned with each other, said fastener means being receivable through selected aligned ones of said mounting holes formed in said trim and mounting plates for mounting the drinking fountain at a selected one of multiple different height positions relative thereto.
 8. A mounting assembly for mounting at least one drinking fountain at a selected vertical height position on a vertically extending wall structure, said mounting assembly comprising: a vertically extending mounting plate, said mounting plate having a pair of said apertures formed therein and each defined by opposed and generally vertically extending side margins, each of said side margins of said pair of apertures being associated with an array of vertically spaced mounting holes formed in said mounting plate; and fastener means receivable through selected ones of said mounting holes for respectively mounting a pair of drinking fountains each at a selected one of multiple different height positions relative to a corresponding one of said pair of mounting plate apertures.
 9. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said pair of apertures are formed in said mounting plate at common vertical height positions.
 10. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said mounting plate comprises the vertically extending wall structure.
 11. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said mounting plate is adapted for affixation onto the wall structure at a selected height position.
 12. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said opposed side margins defining said mounting plate aperture have a notched configuration.
 13. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said mounting plate is adapted for affixation onto studs defining the vertically extending wall structure, and wherein said mounting plates and studs are subsequently substantially covered by a wall facing material, and further including a trim plate having a pair of apertures formed therein each with a size and shape generally corresponding with said mounting plate apertures, said trim plate apertures each being defined by opposed and generally vertically extending side margins each associated with an array of vertically spaced mounting holes formed in said trim plate, said trim plate being adapted for affixation onto the wall structure at a selected height position with said trim plate and mounting plate apertures generally aligned with each other and with said mounting holes arrays formed in trim and mounting plates generally aligned with each other, said fastener means being receivable through selected aligned ones of said mounting holes formed in said trim and mounting plates for mounting the pair of drinking fountains each at a selected one of multiple different height positions relative thereto.
 14. The mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein said fastener means comprises at least one mounting bolt. 